ESA PR 04-2008. The launch of the first ATV 'Jules Verne' is rapidly approaching. The 20-tonne re-supply and space-tug module will be carried into orbit by a special version of the Ariane 5 launch vehicle called the Ariane 5 Evolution Storable (ES).

The launcher is scheduled to lift-off from the European spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, not earlier than 22 February next.

On Tuesday 29 January, ESA Programme managers and specialists from industry will gather at ESA Head Office in Paris and will share with the Media a thorough overview of the programme in order to take stock of the current status of the spacecraft and to lead the Media through the upcoming phases: the launch, the journey to the International Space Station, the delicate manoeuvres up to docking and the complex operations related to this very challenging mission.

The programme of the press briefing will be as follows:

10:30

Doors open.

11:00

ESA’s participation in the ISS, the role of the ATV in the ISS and its future outlook in exploration programmes; by Alan Thirkettle, ESA ISS Programme Manager.

The industrial involvement in ATV, industrial phases and main challenges, verification and testing; by Nicolas Chamussy, EADS ATV Programme Manager.

11:40

The role of the astronauts in the ATV mission, operations at the ATV control centres, by Jean-Francois Clervoy, ESA Astronaut and ATV Senior Advisor.

11:50

Questions and answers sessions.

12:30

End of the event.

Media representatives wishing to attend the press briefing are kindly required to fill in the attached reply from and return it, preferably bay fax, to the Media Relations Office at ESA Head Office in Paris (Fax: + 33 1 5369 7690) by Monday 28 January at the latest.